A Pattern for the Pebbles

Close to the base of my "spiritual family tree" stand those who have suffered for Christ, those who've given up lives, health or comfort for love of God.

It is only appropriate that such heroes are seen (by all of us) as basic to the faith, for they are exactly that.  As Tertullian said in the third century, the blood of the martyrs is seed for the Church.

It was seed that God planted from the beginning.  St. Paul endured imprisonments, beatings, stoning; St. John was exiled on the island of Patmos; St. Peter was allegedly crucified upside down.

It had all begun with Stephen.

"Those who listened to (Stephen's) words were stung to the heart; they ground their teeth in anger at him.  Stephen meanwhile, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked to the sky above and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God's right hand.  'Look!' he exclaimed, 'I see an opening in the sky, and the Son of Man standing at God's right hand.' The onlookers were shouting aloud, holding their hands over their ears as they did so.  Then they rushed at him as one man, dragged him out of the city, and began to stone him.  The witnesses meanwhile were piling their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul.  As Stephen was being stoned he could be heard saying, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.'  He fell to his knees and cried out in a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.'  And with that he died."  (Acts 7:54-60)

Surely his acute view of reality buffered Stephen's agony as stones were hurled at him.  He was given grace appropriate to the situation, just at the moment he needed it.  I like to remember this.  When I face a trial, God is there.  He gives me just the glimpse of Him that I need, exactly when I need it.  I know this through faith, and I know it from experience.  God stands ready with what I need.

I have never been pelted with physical stones, but I've endured a few pebbles.  Smirks and snickers and snubs for living and speaking the truth of God.  I like to remember that Jesus told us to expect nothing less.  "You will be hated by all on account of Me."  (Matthew 10:22).

I pray to remember the example of Stephen.  What a grace that the words of this first Christian martyr were written down:  leaving, in effect, a pattern for all who would come after him.  He looked at God, not at the situation.  He prayed.  He forgave.  And his actions were witnessed by one who would turn, in time, to God.

Stephen's pattern for dealing with stones is just as much a pattern for the pebbles.

Look to God.

Pray.

Forgive. 

And God stands ready with what we need.  

Painting:  Bernardo Cavallino, Martyrdom of St. Stephen 

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This Sweetest Water

Into my basic spiritual formation (which is Scripture) have been stirred the 'flavorings' of various saints.  These bring more than mere flavor to my personal spiritual stew.  They provide nourishment of their own.

Such richness is always consistent with Scripture and the teaching of the Church.  Is it important that there be this kind of complimenting?  Absolutely.  Just as we would not toss marshmallows into beef stew, we don't ladle conflicting teachings onto our storehouse of treasured scriptures.  Such mixtures could result in everything from an unpleasant taste to (depending on the added ingredient) something harmful to our physical or spiritual health.

Looking back over my mix of holy influences is turning out to be a marvelous exercise - sort of like tracing my spiritual family tree.

Taking stock of some of the saints whose writings first formed me, I find (very close to the 'base')  St. Teresa of Avila.  When I discovered her Spiritual Autobiography and Soliloquies in the 1980s, I felt I had found a friend for life.  

'O Lord my God,' wrote this wise, mystical, practical Doctor of the Church, 'how You possess the words of eternal life, where all mortals will find what they desire if they want to seek it!  But what a strange thing, my God, that we forget Your words in the madness and sickness our evil deeds cause!  O my God, God, God, author of all creation!... bring it about... that my thoughts not withdraw from Your words.'  (Soliloquies)

'Lazarus did not ask You to raise him up.  You did it for a woman sinner; behold one here,  my God and a much greater one; let Your mercy shine.  I although miserable, ask life for those who do not want to ask it of You.'  (Soliloquies)

'O Life, Who gives life to all!  Do not deny me this sweetest water that You promise to all who want it.  I want it, Lord, and I beg for it, and I come to You.  Don't hide Yourself, Lord, from me, since You know my need and that this water is the true medicine for a soul wounded with love for You.' (Soliloquies)

and we shall SING!

The idea of a 'spiritual idiolect' (as written of by Connie Rossini) is one I find personally intriguing.  I say this as a person whose vocal accent has been formed by such varying things - where I've lived, teachers in my earliest years, family, friends, and numerous et ceteras - that often people cannot tell what part of the US I hail from.  Professor Henry Higgins would surely find a challenge in me.

I now find myself comparing my blend of regional accents to my personal mixture of spiritual influences.  I am thankful that Scripture is primary among them.  Also primary is the teaching of the Church.  And then there is that (thank God for it) harmony of notes sounded by saints throughout the centuries.  Each has his or her own voice to add into God's heavenly blend.  I envision these, together, as a grand chorus of praise sounding throughout the Heavens, finding echoes in the praises and actions of those yet on earth.

Over these next days, I hope to look into a sampling of Scriptures, quotes, saints and charisms - particularly (but not limited to) those that form my own 'spiritual idiolect.'  I am intrigued by this fresh way of looking at the heavenly chorus into which I - and you - are invited to blend our 'voices.'

We have been called by God to tune our lives to the music of Heaven.  We hear, we are drawn; we echo.

Each one of us is called to participate.  Each one has a specific, irreplaceable, part to sing.

'There are different gifts but the same Spirit; there are different ministries but the same Lord; there are different works but the same God Who accomplishes all of them in everyone.  To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.'  (1 Corinthians 12:4)

'It is one and the same Spirit Who produces all these gifts, distributing them to each as He wills.'  (1 Corinthians 12:11) 

Painting:  Thomas Webster, A Village Choir